Structure & Objectives

The LIFE-IP 4 NATURA project, the first LIFE Integrated Project (LIFE IP) ever approved for Greece, is the most important nature conservation project of the last decades for the country. It constitutes the first centrally coordinated initiative to implement the Greek PAF on a national regional and local scale.

The project’s objective is to substantially enhance Greece’s nature conservation framework in a way that simultaneously ensures the country’s compliance with the European Union’s nature legislation. That is why the project’s framework cohesively integrates actions covering all aspects of nature protection: policy, economy, society and science.

Twelve partners, coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, participate in the largest nature conservation project ever to be undertaken by the country and unite their forces to “shield” Greek nature, by creating new protection and management tools and promoting the opportunities arising from the harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

• Formulation, legal adoption and implementation of Action Plans (APs) for species/habitats of Community Interest
• Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystem Services (MAES) of the Greek Natura 2000 network
• Development of web-based interactive/cutting edge GIS tools for effective management of the Natura 2000 network by competent authorities and the general public
• Mapping and identification of all stakeholders involved, and their engagement and capacity building
• Launch of a nationwide communication and dissemination campaign.
• Implementation of several Natura 2000 Management Plans (MPs) in the four (4) participating Administrative Regions of the project
• Capacity building of key stakeholders
• Pilot implementation and introduction of MAES in decision-making in selected Natura 2000 sites of the 4 Regions.

Greece is fortunate to stand out for the richness of its biodiversity and, therefore, has the privilege and the responsibility to preserve its natural heritage.

However, nature conservation hadn’t been a priority issue neither for the state nor for the citizens, for many years:

• Nature conservation legislation had often been poorly implemented and, as a result, Greece was referred to the EU Court of Justice
• 8 out of 10 Greeks (78%) have never heard of the Natura 2000 network or -even if they have- don’t know what it is.

LIFE-IP 4 NATURA is part of a new nature conservation framework in Greece. The country recently expanded its Natura 2000 network by expanding existing sites and adding new ones. Currently the Natura 2000 network in Greece covers approximately 28% of the country’s land and about 20% of its marine territory.

Moreover, the foundations for a new National Protected Areas System have been laid, in which Management Bodies will play a key role.

LIFE-IP 4 NATURA will support and complement this new framework, by filling gaps that have so far undermined the function of the Natura 2000 network in Greece. Implementation of the project will be a catalyst for the effective protection of Natura 2000 sites and biodiversity, thus enhancing their development prospects.